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North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
April 30, 2014

DSACEUR DISCUSSES STRENGTHENED READINESS MEASURES IN TALLINN

Tallinn, ESTONIA: Increased readiness measures were a major topic in discussions between Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) General Sir Adrian Bradshaw and senior Estonian military officials during meetings in Tallinn on Wednesday, 30 April 2014. NATO is implementing a number of measures on land, sea, and air, in light of elevated tensions over the situation in Ukraine.

As a part of these measures, NATO has deployed standing maritime forces to the Baltic Sea and to the Eastern Mediterranean.

An Estonian Mine Countermeasures Ship, the ENS Admiral Cowan, recently joined one of NATO’s Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups. The ships are in the Baltic Sea as a part of NATO’s increased presence in the region.

“Estonia is playing a key role as part of NATO’s collective response capability during times of increased tension by providing the ENS Admiral Cowan to our Standing Maritime Group which is currently in the Baltic Sea,” said General Bradshaw.

DSACEUR Sir Adrian Bradshaw meets with senior Estonian military officials during meetings in Tallinn
– Photo courtesy of Estonian Ministry of Defence

The Alliance is also increasing its presence in the air over Eastern Europe, and will augment its air defences on the ground, and conduct additional exercises in the territories of Eastern Allies.

During the next rotation of the Baltic Air Policing Mission starting 1 May 2014, the number of aircraft stationed in the Baltic member states of the Alliance will increase to twelve fighters from the usual four.

“Amari Air Base in Estonia will play a key role in NATO’s expanded air policing efforts,” said General Bradshaw. “Danish F-16 fighter aircraft stationed in Estonia, will send a clear message that NATO is prepared to meet and deter any threat to the Alliance,” he said.

Poland will also provide four MiG-29 aircraft and the United Kingdom will contribute four Typhoons, which will be stationed in Šiauliai, Lithuania.

“Estonia is a strong Ally and your continuing commitment to the Alliance, and especially our mission in Afghanistan has been exemplary,” he said.

Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office

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North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
April 30, 2014

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